April 20, 2024
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Woodstock mom plans more random acts of kindness through Stuff the Stocking for Zach fundraiser

By Northwest Herald staff report
In memory of her late son, Diane Brokaw of Woodstock is hosting the sixth annual "Stuff the Stocking for Zach fundraiser through Jan. 10.

In memory of her late son, Diane Brokaw of Woodstock is hosting the sixth annual "Stuff the Stocking for Zach fundraiser through Jan. 10.

After giving away $15,000 last year through random acts of kindness, Diane Brokaw of Woodstock hopes to do it again.

The effort is part of the annual Stuff the Stocking for Zach fundraiser Brokaw created following the June 2015 death of her son.

Zach Brokaw was killed in a car crash after falling asleep at the wheel. His mother was inspired by her son’s drive, even as a young child, to help those less fortunate.

She started the Stuff the Stocking for Zach fundraiser the Christmas season the same year he died and raised $3,000 to send Zach’s Boy Scouts troop to indoor skydiving and zip lining outings.

The fundraiser has continued to grow since then, and then last year because of COVID-19, Brokaw decided to use the money raised to share random acts of kindness, such as flower deliveries to nursing homes, food for families in need, toys for children and money for a full tank of gas.

This year, Brokaw said she hopes to raise even more and give it away throughout the entire month of February.

Brokaw also hopes to bring awareness through her efforts about the dangers of drowsy driving.

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, 697 people were killed 2019 because of tired drivers.

Donations can be sent to Diane Brokaw, P.O. Box 762, Wonder Lake IL 60097 or via Paypal or Zelle at dianebrokaw@juno.com. Donations will be accepted through Jan. 10.